The Strand Cruise

A welcome breakfast will be prepared in the shady garden of an ancient lacquerware house in Bagan. Lacquer ware is one of the oldest traditional craftsmanship in Bagan which appeared from the 11th century. Afterwards, we pay a visit to the gilded pagoda – Shwezigon and then the most well – preserved constructions in the temple plain – Ananda Temple. A scenic drive will take us to The Stand Cruise to check in and meet other passengers. Lunch will be served on the sun deck.  

For those who arrive in Bagan later, join in our lunch on board after settle in your cabin. 

We will continue to explore the charms of Bagan’s temple plain in the afternoon with a visit to the splendid Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi temples. At dusk, relax and enjoy a glass of cocktail on the sun deck of The Strand Cruise while the sun colors the horizon with its orange glow. Next, a Burmese cultural show will takes place which is then followed by a gourmet dinner. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

Early this morning, we will have a chance to contemplate the magical sunrise in Bagan from the top of Shwe Shan Daw temple. This 5 storey building offers a spectacular view over the temple plain with a little bit of effort to climb on. After that, breakfast will be served on board with some coffee, tea and pastries.

As we cruise upstream to Mandalay, enjoy the beautiful passing scenery with villages dotted in the river banks while a nice brunch will be served. 

While we float gently on Irrawaddy river, take your time relax on the sundeck, indulge yourself in the spa’s treatments or enjoy the activities and workshop set up by our friendly crew. Then, it’s time for an afternoon tea. 

We will dock at a remote area of the river when the night falls. After a cocktail party and tapas dinner at Sarkies Bar, we will have an opportunity to watch an interesting Burmese puppet show in the restaurant.   

Optional: A hot air balloon ride at dawn over the temple plain of Bagan will be arranged upon your request. This will need a reservation and an extra cost. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

We will have a late breakfast this morning and continue to cruise to Mingun which was once a capital of the Burmese Kingdom. During our cruising time, please yourself with the high – end amenities on board or attend a fascinating cooking class and the demonstrations of Longyi wearing (Burmese traditional dress) and Thanaka (natural cosmetic) applying. 

A generous Asian style lunch will be served on the sundeck. And then, we approach Migun in the mid afternoon. Our inland excursion will start with a visit to the gigantic unfinished pagoda – Pahtodawgyi by tuk tuk. Next, the journey takes us to the second biggest bell in the world that is still working – Mingun Bell. And Hsinbyume Pagoda is our last stop today which bears a unique design of 7 curved terraces depicting an important monument in Buddhism. 

Back to The Stand Cruise. Enjoy a glass of champagne before a BBQ dinner is served.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

We will spend this whole day today exploring the last royal capitals of Burma which is also happened to be the second biggest city – Mandalay. Have your breakfast before disembark the ship for the exploring tour in and around this wonderful land. 

We pay a visit to a monastery first and give the offerings to the monks. Then, the longest teak bridge in the world – U Bein will be our next stop. Proceed to the scared pagoda – Mahamuni which is said to hold one of 5 likeliness Buddha images in the world. After that, visit Shwe In Bin monastery before coming back to the ship for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we will visit another former capital of Myanmar – Ava. Existed from 14th to 19th centuries, the city remains some of the worth – visiting relics. We will take a horse – drawn carriage around the area discovering its notable sites before returning to The Stand Cruise.

We will dock in Ava overnight near a magnificent temple which allows passengers to have a great chance to visit it in the late afternoon and also the next morning without a tourist in sight.

When the day comes to an end, enjoy a cocktail party on the sundeck before join in a French – style dinner in the restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

Try to wake up early this morning as we take part in a significant ceremony in Burmese culture – the Alms Giving. We will have our last breakfast in The Strand Cruise before leaving the ship for your onward journey in Myanmar or hop on a flight back to your home.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A

Enjoy your welcome breakfast at a private area close to the famous Royal Lake in Mandalay. 

Next, we will pay a visit to a popular destination in Amarapura which is believed to be the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world – the U Bein bridge. Our next stop is the gorgeous Mahamuni pagoda – one of the most prestigious places in Burma. Legend has it that since the visit of the great Buddha in 554 at Arakan city, the King ordered to make a statue placed in the stupa. After leaving the pagoda, we proceed to visit the elaborate wood structure of Shwe In Bin monastery where is known as a great meditation spot in Mandalay.

At around noon, embark on The Strand Cruise in a gracious greeting of our staffs. Then a Mediterranean style lunch will be served. 

Afterwards, we pay a visit to the former capital of Mingun. You will be overwhelmed by the huge structure of the Pahtodawgyi pagoda which is considered as one of the biggest stupas that have ever been constructed in the history of Myanmar. However, it was intentionally left unfinished from the ancient time due to a bad prophecy about the King’s death. 

We will then travel to another great site via a tuk tuk where is house to the second largest working bell in the world – Mingun Bell. 

And last but not least, Hsinbyune pagoda is a not – to – be – missed places in our journey. This 7 terrace building’s design illustrates the crucial symbols in the Buddhism of 7 mountain ranges of Mt. Meru – the center of universe.

Back on board of The Strand Cruise to enjoy the magnificent sunset moment of Irrawaddy river with a cocktail while your dinner is prepared in the restaurant. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

Today excursion on a horse carriage in Ava will show you the ruins of an ancient capital from the 14th to 19th centuries. Ava, also known as Inwa was once a flourishing city of Burmese Kingdom but then was destroyed by war and natural disasters. Hence, the site still has some impressive architectures which remind us of a long gone era such as Yadana Shemee temple, Bopaya monastery and the brick monastery.  

When we finish visiting our last spot in Ava, back to the ship to have lunch served in Asian style on the sundeck. We continue sailing to the ancient land – Bagan. The rest of the day will be your time to relax on board with our state – of – the –art facilities and fantastic performances. We will moor in a secluded section of the river so that guests can have a chance to immerse in the tranquil nature and peaceful atmosphere.  A BBQ dinner will be served after a cocktail party at sunset.  

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

In the morning, we arrive in Bagan and our Bagan Heritage Trail will begin. Bagan is an ancient capital of Myanmar where houses more than 2,000 Buddhist constructions surviving from the 11th century. Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular of Ananda temple – one of the most outstanding architecture in the temple plain and the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda which is known for the precious coat decorated with gold plates. 

Return to the ship for a lunchtime and then we proceed to visit the famous “sunset temple” Shwe San Daw and the outstanding Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi temples.  

Afterwards, back on board to enjoy a great dinner in French style.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

Enjoy your last breakfast this morning aboard of The Strand Cruise and then check out from the ship. 

Optional: Riding Balloon over Bagan in the break of dawn is also offered. The experience requires to book in advance with an extra fee.  

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A

Enjoy your welcome breakfast at a private area close to the famous Royal Lake in Mandalay. 

Next, we will pay a visit to a popular destination in Amarapura which is believed to be the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world – the U Bein bridge. Our next stop is the gorgeous Mahamuni pagoda – one of the most prestigious places in Burma. Legend has it that since the visit of the great Buddha in 554 at Arakan city, the King ordered to make a statue placed in the stupa. After leaving the pagoda, we proceed to visit the elaborate wood structure of Shwe In Bin monastery where is known as a great meditation spot in Mandalay.

At around noon, embark on The Strand Cruise in a gracious greeting of our staffs. Then a Mediterranean style lunch will be served. 

Afterwards, we pay a visit to the former capital of Mingun. You will be overwhelmed by the huge structure of the Pahtodawgyi pagoda which is considered as one of the biggest stupas that have ever been constructed in the history of Myanmar. However, it was intentionally left unfinished from the ancient time due to a bad prophecy about the King’s death. 

We will then travel to another great site via a tuk tuk where is house to the second largest working bell in the world – Mingun Bell. 

And last but not least, Hsinbyune pagoda is a not – to – be – missed places in our journey. This 7 terrace building’s design illustrates the crucial symbols in the Buddhism of 7 mountain ranges of Mt. Meru – the center of universe.

Back on board of The Strand Cruise to enjoy the magnificent sunset moment of Irrawaddy river with a cocktail while your dinner is prepared in the restaurant. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

Today excursion on a horse carriage in Ava will show you the ruins of an ancient capital from the 14th to 19th centuries. Ava, also known as Inwa was once a flourishing city of Burmese Kingdom but then was destroyed by war and natural disasters. Hence, the site still has some impressive architectures which remind us of a long gone era such as Yadana Shemee temple, Bopaya monastery and the brick monastery.  

When we finish visiting our last spot in Ava, back to the ship to have lunch served in Asian style on the sundeck. We continue sailing to the ancient land – Bagan. The rest of the day will be your time to relax on board with our state – of – the –art facilities and fantastic performances. We will moor in a secluded section of the river so that guests can have a chance to immerse in the tranquil nature and peaceful atmosphere.  A BBQ dinner will be served after a cocktail party at sunset.  

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: The Strand Cruise

In the morning, we arrive in Bagan and our Bagan Heritage Trail will begin. Bagan is an ancient capital of Myanmar where houses more than 2,000 Buddhist constructions surviving from the 11th century. Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular of Ananda temple – one of the most outstanding architecture in the temple plain and the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda which is known for the precious coat decorated with gold plates. 

Disembark from The Strand Cruise.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A